Manna for Your Morning

Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people. — Philippians 2:14-15 (NLT) Instead of whining, complaining and grumbling, let us speak positive, life-giving words, that encourage and build others up. In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18 AMP). Be thankful for where you are today and trust God for your tomorrow.

This is the day which the LORD has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it. — Psalm 118:24 (NASB) This day has already been written in His book. (Psalm 139:16) Nothing that happens today will catch our heavenly Father by surprise. And He has prepared you and equipped you for such a time as this. t You are a chosen generation... (1 Peter 2:9). Rejoice and be glad as you move onward and forward in all that God has called you to. Blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. (Jeremiah 17:7 NLT)

When You said, “Seek My face [in prayer, require My presence as your greatest need],” my heart said to You, “Your face, O LORD, I will seek [on the authority of Your word].” — Psalm 27:8 (AMP) The presence of the LORD is our greatest need. Seek His face, every moment of your day. As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? (Psalm 42:1-2) With His help we can advance against a troop; with our God we can scale a wall. (Psalm 18:29 NIV). With God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26) O God, You are my God; with deepest longing I will seek You; my soul [my life, my very self] thirsts for You, my flesh longs and sighs for You, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. (Psalm 63:1 AMP)

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. — 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (NLT) We may have to go through some stuff but our legacy, as children of God, is to conquer, overcome, persevere, and walk in victory. “ No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; and every tongue that rises against you in judgment you will condemn. This [peace, righteousness, security, and triumph over opposition] is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from Me,” says the LORD. (Isaiah 54:17 AMP) And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose. (Romans 8:28 AMP). Amen.

God, the Master, The Holy of Israel, has this solemn counsel: “Your salvation requires you to turn back to me and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves. Your strength will come from settling down in complete dependence on me— the very thing you’ve been unwilling to do.” — Isaiah 30:15-17 (MSG) Let us turn to God, and rely on Him for all that we need, not only for our salvation, but with each and every day we live on the earth. He gives us the strength to do what He has called us to do. He provides the resources we need, at the time that we need them. He doesn't expect us to do it alone, He is our helper and guide. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD. (Psalm 31:24 NKJV)

So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. — 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NLT) Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. (1 Peter 4:12 NLT)  For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! (2 Corinthians 4:17 NLT) Remember, these momentary, light afflictions won’t last very long. Let us look away from the distractions, and keep our eyes on Jesus, the Champion who both began and finished this race we’re in. And thank God, who always leads us in victory because of Christ. Wherever we go, God uses us to make clear what it means to know Christ. It’s like a fragrance that fills the air. (2 Corinthians 2:14 GW)

The LORD’s lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The LORD is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” — Lamentations 3:22-24 (NASB) Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the LORD never ends! His mercies never cease (Lamentations 3:21-22 NLT). Let your mind be still and revel in God’s loyal love. It never runs out and it never dries up. He does not hold a grudge against you for the mistakes of yesterday. Every morning, He pours out a fresh batch of compassions and mercies on you. The Creator of the universe has thoughts about you that outnumber the sand. Dare to hope, knowing that nothing can separate you from His great love. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us...

Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. — Proverbs 30:5 (NLT) Every word of God has stood the test of time. His word stands forever. The word which goes forth from His mouth will not return to Him empty, without accomplishing what He desires, and without succeeding in the matter for which He sent it. (Isaiah 55:11). His Word is our source of hope. (Psalm 119:114b NLT) Just as those with shelters for tornados and other harmful events flee with a sense of urgency to get in them when the storms are on their way, let us come to our heavenly Father for protection. He is our hiding place. Take refuge in Him, He is our mighty fortress. For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11 NASB)

Let the peace of Christ [the inner calm of one who walks daily with Him] be the controlling factor in your hearts [deciding and settling questions that arise]. To this peace indeed you were called as members in one body [of believers]. And be thankful [to God always]. — Colossians 3:15 (AMP) When Jesus first appeared to the disciples after His resurrection, He came and stood among them, and said, “ Peace to you. ” (John 20:19) His word over you today is peace. Let His peace be the controlling factor in your heart and in your mind. When circumstances don’t appear favorable, He speaks peace. In John 14:27, Jesus said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; ” Don’t let the enemy steal your peace. “ I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world. ” (John 16:33 MSG)

If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed. — Proverbs 29:18 (MSG) God has a purpose and a plan for every day that you are alive on the earth. Let there be no confusion, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:6).  In Jeremiah 29:13 (NASB) the LORD says, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” May we continually seek God and His will for our lives and attend to what He reveals. Our Pastor is teaching us to “find God in everything and take Him everywhere.”

You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. — Isaiah 26:3 (NKJV) When we set our minds on the LORD, we are elevated above earthly circumstances and are kept in perfect peace. As we trust God, we are not moved by the mountains or the storms of life, because we know that our God is mighty and greater. He is higher than any mountain and more powerful than any storms. Fix your thoughts upon the LORD, and trust Him to take care of everything that concerns you.

Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. — Romans 12:2 (MSG) As we focus on our heavenly Father and all His wonderful attributes, we will become more like Him (loving, kind, gentle, etc.). When we pay close attention to His Word, we allow God to transform us by changing the way we think. He will mold us and shape us and bring the best out of us. May we be captivated by His love and thankful for all that He is doing in our lives here and now.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. — Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV) In a world that is constantly changing, we have One that remains the same. Jesus is the good Shepherd (John 10:11); He is always good. Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). He is the answer to every challenge you face. Trust Him to show you the way. Jesus loved us so much He gave His life for us, and He still loves us today and will love us forever. Jesus overcame the world (John 16:33) and we have the greater One dwelling inside of us. So we can be of good cheer because He has given us the victory!

With wisdom a house is built. With understanding it is established. With knowledge its rooms are filled with every kind of riches, both precious and pleasant. — Proverbs 24:3-4 (GW) This is what the Almighty LORD says: I am going to lay a rock in Zion, a rock that has been tested, a precious cornerstone, a solid foundation. Whoever believes in him will not worry. ( Isaiah 28:16 GW). When a home, a life, or a family is built, on Christ, the Chief Cornerstone, it will never be shaken. It will endure the storms and last through all types of seasons and weather patterns. Jesus said, “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24 NASB) As we gain understanding of God’s Word and put it into action, we become more like Him, and our rooms are filled with the priceless and precious treasures of His Presence, His love and His peace. And the pleasant aroma of joy permeates each room.

Even youths grow weary and tired, and vigorous young men stumble badly, but those who wait for the LORD [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] will gain new strength and renew their power; They will lift up their wings [and rise up close to God] like eagles [rising toward the sun];  They will run and not become weary, they will walk and not grow tired. — Isaiah 40:30-31 (AMP) God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits, to the woman who diligently seeks. It’s a good thing to quietly hope, quietly hope for help from God (Lamentations 3:25-26 MSG). He satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the [soaring] eagle. (Psalm 103:5 AMP) Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD! (Psalm 27:14 NKJV)

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death — Proverbs 16:25 (NLT)  There are many ways that “seem” right, in this world, however, there is no [human] wisdom or understanding or counsel [that can prevail] against the LORD. (Proverbs 21:30 AMP) Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be established. (Proverbs 16:3 NASB) Whoever despises the word and counsel [of God] brings destruction upon himself, but he who [reverently] fears and respects the commandment [of God] will be rewarded. (Proverbs 13:13 AMP)

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. They are abundantly satisfied with the fullness of Your house, and You give them drink from the river of Your pleasures. For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. — Psalm 36:7-9 (NKJV) Take refuge in the shadow of His wings. He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection  (Psalm 91:4 NLT). Be abundantly satisfied with the fullness of His house. With Him there is no lack. In His presence is fullness of joy; at His right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). His unfailing love overflows and His peace runs deep.

“See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The LORD God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” — Isaiah 12:2 (NLT) God is our refuge and strength, always ready to help in times of trouble (Psalm 46:1 NLT). He gives strength to the weary, and to him who lacks might He increases power (Isaiah 40:29 NASB). Continually rely on the strength of the LORD and He will give you the victory. The LORD says: “ Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me. ” (Psalm 50:15 NKJV) Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:57 NKJV)

You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head. — Psalm 139:5 (NLT) He goes before you to lead you. He follows behind, to protect you. His hand of blessing is on your head, providing all your needs. And His Spirit is in you, empowering you to be all that He created you to be. “For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” (Zephaniah 3:17 NLT)  Rejoice over the One who rejoices over you.

O LORD, you have examined my heart and know everything about me. You know when I sit down or stand up. You know my thoughts even when I’m far away. You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. — Psalm 139:1-3 (NLT) The people around us may not always understand us, but our heavenly Father knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows what we are going to say before we speak a word (Psalm 139:4). Our hearts are like an open book to Him. There is no reason to pretend. He lavishes His love on you right where you are today. His thoughts about you are so great, they cannot be numbered! (Psalm 139:17) God still loves you in spite of any shortcomings. His love never stops. Instead of beating yourself up for past mistakes, open your heart to receive His love and grace. Every day of your life was recorded in His book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. (Psalm 139:16) God has already made a way for you. Just keep moving onward and u...

“I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty.” — 2 Corinthians 6:18 (NKJV) No matter what kind of relationship you have or had with your biological father, don’t let the nature of that relationship distort your view of our heavenly Father. He is a good Father and He loves every single one of His children. He is a compassionate and kind Father, rich in grace and mercy. He is a faithful Father, who is always there when you need Him. He is a wise Father. His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts much higher than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:9) He shows us the path of life. (Psalm 16:11). God is Jehovah Jireh, our provider. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. (Psalm 84:11) Chase after Him as the first love of your life. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. —Isaiah 9:6b (NKJV)

Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ — Matthew 7:22-23 (NKJV) No one wants to hear Jesus speak these words: “I never knew you; depart from Me” But we must realize that a religion is not going to save us. Being a member of God’s family and living forever in His Presence is all about having a relationship with Jesus the Christ. For through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father (Ephesians 2:18 NASB). Philippians 3:10 (AMP) says, “ And this, so that I may know Him [experientially, becoming more thoroughly acquainted with Him, understanding the remarkable wonders of His Person more completely] and [in that same way experience] the power of His resurrection [which overflows and is active in believers] …” Our greatest pursuit in life is to know Him and be kno...

So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that’s where the action is. See things from his perspective. — Colossians 3:1-2 (MSG) Keeping the right perspective in life, is so important. Instead of looking around at the circumstances, let us look up and stay focused on our great God, and all that He is doing in our lives. As we look to Him, with eyes of faith, He comes to our aid. As long as our eyes are fixed on the immediate earthly realities, we stay trapped by the limitations of our humanity. When we look to our heavenly Father, we open ourselves up to His faith filled world of unlimited possibilities. With God all things are possible. (Matthew 19:26) No matter what your current situation may be, never lose sight of the fact that God has a plan a...

A person’s anxiety will weigh him down, but an encouraging word makes him joyful. — Proverbs 12:25 (GW) God’s Word is the most encouraging Word of all. Philippians 4:6 (NKJV) tells us to be anxious for nothing. Instead of fretting, let us hide the Word of God in our hearts. (Psalm 119:11) His Word is practical and very powerful. It is the truth that stands forever. (Psalm 119:160) The Word is packed with promises. It is our comfort in affliction and it gives us life. (Psalm 119:50)  It revives our souls. (Psalm 119:25) Great peace have those who love His law, and nothing causes them to stumble. (Psalm 119:165) His Word gives us strength (Psalm 119:28). The entrance of His words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple. (Psalm 119:130) His word is a lamp to guide our feet and a light for our path. (Psalm 119:105 NLT) It shows us the way to fulfill God’s purpose and good plan for our lives. Delight yourself in His statutes. (Psalm 119:16)

When the storms of life come, the wicked are whirled away, but the godly have a lasting foundation. — Proverbs 10:25 (NLT) Therefore, this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken. (Isaiah 28:16 NLT) When we build our lives on the strong foundation of Jesus Christ, we will not be moved by the storms of life. Build on the foundation that will last forever. When the rain descends, the floods come, and the winds blow and beat on that house, it will not fall, for it was founded on the rock. (Matthew 7:25)

“Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me.” — John 14:1 (AMP) Be strong, and courageous and keep going forward. Trust God to make a way where there seems to be no way. “Now the just shall live by faith; but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. (Hebrews 10:38-39 NKJV) “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NLT)

For we live by believing and not by seeing. — 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT) GOD’S WORD Translation says: “Indeed, our lives are guided by faith, not by sight.” (2 Corinthians 5:7 GW). Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see. (Hebrews 11:1 GW). May our faith in God and in His Word guide our lives, because it is impossible to please God without faith. (Hebrews 11:6) May faith guide what we choose to think about, what we believe, what we say and all of our actions. Doubt and unbelief lead to anxiety, worry, and fear. Imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:12 NKJV). Live by believing. Believe that God loves you. Believe that He wants the best for you. Believe that all God’s promises in His Word are yes and amen, for you.

Do not let mercy and truth leave you. Fasten them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will find favor and much success in the sight of God and humanity. — Proverbs 3:3-4 (GW) For favor and success in life, let mercy and truth be engraved on the fibers of your heart. The Amplified Bible says to let these qualities define you. The Lord, is a compassionate and merciful God. He is patient, always faithful and ready to forgive. (Psalm 86:15 GW) His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations. (Psalm 100:5 NKJV) Just as we appreciate these qualities in our heavenly Father, may we also show mercy and walk in truth with all people.

... if you pay close attention to wisdom, and let your mind reach for understanding,  then you will understand the fear of the LORD and you will find the knowledge of God. The LORD gives wisdom. From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. — Proverbs 2:2, 5-6 (GW) Wisdom sings her song in the streets. In the public squares she raises her voice. At the corners of noisy streets she calls out. (Proverbs 1:20-21a GW)  Whoever listens to her will live without worry and will be free from the dread of disaster. (Proverbs 1:33 GW) If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5 NASB)

But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also. — Matthew 6:33 (AMP) Instead of striving for a perfect set of circumstances or aiming to acquire material possessions, seek Jesus, the perfect One and He will take care of all that concerns you. Seek the One whom the winds and the sea obey (Matthew 8:27). Seek the One who causes the dead to live again (John 11:43-44). He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds [healing their pain and comforting their sorrow] (Psalm 147:3 AMP). Seek the LORD and His strength; Seek His face continually. (1 Chronicles 16:11 NASB)

Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God,  — Psalm 146:5 (NKJV) We have been born again into a living hope. (1 Peter 1:3) Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:5 NKJV). This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary (Hebrews 6:19 NLT). Hope continually in the LORD, and praise Him more and more.  Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the LORD. (Psalm 31:24 NKJV)